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OEP legally formed after Environment Act passes

The Office of Environmental Protection (OEP) has today (17 November) been ‘legally formed’, which the body says represents a “major step” in it becoming fully operational and independent.

To complement the proposed changes to secondary legislation, the government will introduce updates to the national infrastructure planning guidance by the spring of 2024.

Chaired by Dame Glenys Stacey, the OEP has been created to monitor the government’s environmental activities, replacing the European Commission, which had regulatory powers prior to Brexit. It covers England only.

The OEP’s legal formation follows the passing of the Environment Act 2021 by Parliament last week (see letsrecycle.com story).

In a statement, the OEP says it will now start the transition to its functional independence in the new year.

The OEP said: “At that stage we expect Parliament to take the steps needed for our functions and powers to be made available to us. The OEP will then be fully established.”

The body added that continue to develop its strategic approach and prepare to consult on its strategy as soon as its functions are enabled in law.

Once empowered, the OEP says, the body will investigate suspected failures in the application of environmental law and enforce public authorities’ compliance with the law. Its headquarters are based in Worcester.

Interim

The OEP was set up in an interim, non-statutory form in July, providing independent oversight of the government’s environmental progress and accelerating the foundation of the full body (see letsrecycle.com story).

We are well underway with establishing a functionally independent, fully operational OEP

– Dame Glenys Stacey

It announced its first four non-executive board members in June, including three individuals with past links to the Environment Agency (see letsrecycle.com story).

On the day of the passing of the Environment Act, providing the basis for the OEP’s legal creation, Dame Stacey said: “I am delighted that the Act creates the independent Office for Environmental Protection and gives us the tools for our job – to protect and improve the environment by holding government and public authorities to account.

“We are well underway with establishing a functionally independent, fully operational OEP from early in the new year.

“There has never been a more crucial time for us all to work to protect and improve our environment. The OEP will play its full part.”

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